MSP Joan McAlpine has joined with colleagues from across the Scottish Parliament in uniting behind the First Minister’s efforts to keep Scotland in the European Union – voting to give the Scottish Government a mandate to commence discussions with EU institutions and members states.
At Decision Time on Tuesday, MSPs voted overwhelmingly by 92 votes to 0 in favour of a Scottish Government motion in favour of exploring options to protect Scotland’s EU membership – with only the Scottish Tories withholding support.
Commenting, Joan McAlpine said:
“Last week, the people of Dumfries and Galloway made their voice heard – and I was proud to join MSPs across the parties to cast my vote in the Scottish Parliament to make clear that their decision should be respected.
“That Ruth Davidson and the Tories could not find it within themselves to back this common-sense position in unison with the rest of the Parliament shows just how far they are willing to go to defend their colleagues in the UK Government – throwing Scotland under the bus in the process.
“Over the last few days, Nicola Sturgeon is the only politician in the UK who has shown any leadership whatsoever – and it is entirely right that MSPs have given her this overwhelming mandate to make Scotland’s case directly to EU institutions and member states.
“Our national Parliament spoke with a strong and united voice – making absolutely clear that Dumfries and Galloway’s vote must be respected and Scotland’s place in Europe must be protected.
“In doing so, the First Minister has made clear that no option is off the table – and the SNP in government will do everything we can to ensure that Scotland maintains its place in the European family of nations, rather than being dragged out against our will by a right-wing Tory party which now finds itself in complete disarray.”
